PMM - 32

The boat had been sailing for two days, and during that time, Yu Deyue had been holding in his anger. This new concubine’s temper was truly too haughty!

At first, when he saw her behaving so well-educated, Yu Deyue thought this would be an easy task. But after two days, he realized it was far from that. At the beginning, Lian Sihuan was obedient and respectful toward the officers aboard the ship.

However, after seeing the emperor’s favor toward her, her attitude gradually changed. The emperor truly doted on this new concubine. The wedding ship was fully equipped, from food to clothing, everything was meticulously prepared. The emperor had even specially sent eight palace maids along with the army to attend to the new concubine’s daily needs.

Although Lian Sihuan appeared confident when advising her mother, in her heart, she still felt a bit uneasy. She had only met the emperor once a year ago when Liang Zhen was still the second prince, and he was polite and gentle with people. As a young lady, she had little contact with men outside her family, so Lian Sihuan didn’t truly know what kind of person Liang Zhen was.

But now, before she even reached the imperial city, the emperor was already so attentive and affectionate. Lian Sihuan could already imagine the situation where she was the emperor’s favorite. She wasn’t foolish; her acting spoiled and unruly toward the officers was not out of true dissatisfaction but a way to test General Yu’s attitude.

Yu Deyue had come with the emperor’s orders, and his attitude reflected the emperor’s stance. Lian Sihuan intentionally complained about the softness of the quilts and the tastelessness of the food. Although Yu Deyue was angry inside, he still had to show respect to her outwardly.

Lian Sihuan was overjoyed. She now knew the emperor truly valued her. Before they reached the imperial city, she had to gauge the emperor’s feelings so she could make plans in her heart.

Lian Sihuan didn’t allow herself to think about how it should have been Lian Sheng who received all this. This was an arranged marriage, and she told herself that whether it was her or Lian Sheng, the emperor’s attention and favor only showed how much he valued the Lian family. She didn’t believe the second prince, who had only met Lian Sheng a few times a year ago, could be so devoted to her!

Lian Sihuan was confident in her beauty. Even though she might not be as stunning as Lian Sheng, she was still undeniably beautiful. Once she catered to Liang Zhen, showing her demeanor as a young lady, he would surely like her.

On the boat, whether it was Lian Sheng’s maids or the palace maids sent from the palace, they all called her “miss.” Therefore, Yu Deyue had no idea that the lady he had brought was not Lian Sheng, the eldest daughter of the Lian family, but instead the second daughter, Lian Sihuan, who had been swapped.

He had been suppressing his anger and knew the emperor favored this new concubine, so he didn’t dare show any dissatisfaction. As they neared the imperial city, the new concubine finally quieted down a little.

Along the way, the palace maids, eager to please Lian Sihuan, told her everything about how the emperor favored her—

He had dismissed the older, less attractive consorts to the North Palace, and now, these women couldn’t even meet the emperor. He had even built a new palace for her, called “Hundred Charms Palace.” It was located close to the emperor’s own chambers, and workers had been working day and night to build it in a splendid manner.

Lian Sihuan’s heart was filled with joy as she listened. What was Lian Sheng to her now? She had married a man who was indifferent and cold-hearted! Now, she had married the most distinguished man in the world. Even though the emperor had so many beauties in his harem, it was rare for him to show such care.

When they arrived at the imperial city, Lian Sihuan was helped off the boat. Liang Zhen had ordered a soft sedan chair to pick her up, and she was taken to Yunwei Palace to stay temporarily until after their wedding when she would move into Hundred Charms Palace.

Yu Deyue returned to the palace immediately to report back to Liang Zhen.

Liang Zhen looked at him with displeasure, and Yu Deyue quickly apologized. After a moment of thought, Liang Zhen said, “Forget it, it’s done now. It won’t be long before Yi Qiancheng hears the news. Since you’ve already sent him that letter, let’s see how Lian Chengzhu’s luck holds up.”

The emperor didn’t scold him, and Yu Deyue let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that with the new concubine’s arrival, the emperor’s mood was indeed much better.

As Yu Deyue was leaving the palace, he overheard a fawning little eunuch beside the emperor asking when the wedding would take place. The emperor replied with a bright and hearty laugh, “Today, though I still need my mother’s consent for the empress position.”

Yu Deyue sneered. A woman like that, even if she was favored for a time, wouldn’t last long. The mountains were high, and the rivers were far—her father and brothers would not be able to protect her forever.

When Lian Sihuan heard that Liang Zhen intended to marry her today, a trace of shyness appeared on her face. Hundred Charms Palace had already been completed, and everyone knew the emperor couldn’t wait to take her as his new concubine.

A eunuch came to announce the decree, bowing and saying, “The emperor says he has inconvenienced you, but he will certainly make it up to you in the future.”

Lian Sihuan smiled and replied, “You’re too kind, please thank the emperor for me.”

Liang Zhen had prepared everything. As the new concubine had just arrived, he planned to make her his concubine first and then discuss the empress ceremony with the Empress Dowager after their wedding. He had desired Lian Sheng for over a year, and now that he had a soft and delicate beauty at his side, he couldn’t wait another moment.

According to the rules of the Great Liang kingdom, except for the empress and the imperial consort, other concubines who married the emperor didn’t need any formal ceremony. Once the title of concubine was granted, they could serve the emperor, and their status would be legally recognized.

After bathing, the palace maids helped Lian Sihuan dress and styled her hair. They assisted her to Hundred Charms Palace. The palace was exquisitely decorated, and it was clear how much effort Liang Zhen had put into it. As night fell, Lian Sihuan felt both excited and nervous.

“The emperor is here—”

The palace maids withdrew, and Lian Sihuan sat on the grand red wedding bed, smiling to herself. She straightened her posture, ensuring she maintained the graceful demeanor of a noble lady.

Liang Zhen entered the palace and saw the beauty in red sitting under the lights, looking shy and lowering her head. His heart fluttered.

He walked toward her, bending down and teasing, “What’s this? Have you forgotten to salute when you see me?” His voice was light and playful, without a trace of anger.

Lian Sihuan blushed, quickly stood up, and greeted, “Your servant greets the emperor.” Liang Zhen smiled and helped her up, “Don’t keep your head down. Let me—”

His voice suddenly stopped. As he saw her face clearly, the smile on his face vanished. He gripped her chin tightly and said, “You’re not Lian Sheng!”

Lian Sihuan cried out in pain, but seeing Liang Zhen’s expression turn cold and terrifying, all the tenderness he had shown earlier disappeared. Terrified, she hurriedly explained, “Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I am also a daughter of the Lian family. My name is Sihuan, and I am the only legitimate daughter of the Lian family.”

“Legitimate daughter? Lowly thing, when did I ever say I wanted you! I want Lian Sheng, not you. Are you and your foolish father brainless?”

Lian Sihan finally realized the gravity of the situation. She dropped to her knees, crying, “Your Majesty, please forgive me. But my sister Lian Sheng is already married to Easy Qiancheng of Shaji. She... she can’t possibly marry you anymore...”

“Easy Qiancheng...” Liang Zhen’s gaze turned cold. So, this was the case. The daughter of Lian Cheng, whom he had wanted, was actually Lian Sheng. He felt both angry and resentful—he had been longing for the beauty that once smiled by the pond, only to find that she had been sent to Easy Qiancheng’s bed! Thinking of this, he nearly wished to drag the crying woman on the floor out for a slow and painful death.

Liang Zhen had spent so much effort just to get the breathtaking beauty he had seen a year ago. And now, what had he been sent? He looked at Lian Cheng and felt that the man really had no regard for his own life!

Lian Sihan trembled under Liang Zhen’s venomous gaze. She sensed the murderous intent in his eyes and quickly crawled over to hug his leg. “Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I am innocent. It was Lian Sheng... she said she had admired Easy Qiancheng for a long time. My father, pitying her for losing her mother, agreed to fulfill her wish and married her off to Easy Qiancheng. Your Majesty, please spare me, I didn’t know anything!”

Liang Zhen bent down and gave Lian Sihan’s tear-streaked face a disgusted look. “You say Lian Sheng admired Easy Qiancheng?”

“Yes, she said it herself. My father and brother can testify!”

“Even so, you’re of no use to me anymore. I see you’re very afraid of death. If you dare to trick me like this, I’ll grant your wish. I won’t let you die immediately; I’ll let you die slowly.” He looked at Lian Sihan, who shook her head in terror, and smiled cruelly. “Don’t worry, your father and they will soon be here to keep you company.”

“Your Majesty! You can’t kill me! If you do, my father will lead Yingdong to surrender to Easy Qiancheng.”

“Ha ha, that’s the most foolish joke I’ve ever heard. Your father killed General Fang Mu of Yingdong, and Easy Qiancheng would still want this biting dog? He’ll be eager to send your father to the afterlife!”

Lian Sihan panicked. “B-but, it wasn’t my father who killed Fang Mu! It was... it was you...”

Liang Zhen’s eyes turned cold, and Lian Sihan immediately shut up. Liang Zhen had no intention of sparing her. He reached out and grabbed her throat. “So what if it was me? Does Easy Qiancheng know it was me? He doesn’t. All he knows is that your father requested me to send troops, and when he couldn’t wait any longer, he took matters into his own hands.”

His hand tightened, and Lian Sihan’s breath became increasingly labored. Jealousy, anger, and unwillingness clouded her mind. She shouldn’t be the one to bear all this today! It was all Lian Sheng’s fault. Lian Sheng had ruined her life. No! She couldn’t die! Why should Lian Sheng be alive and well while she had to die here...

Lian Sihan opened her mouth and struggled to squeeze out a few words. “I... I know a... secret, Your Majesty...”

Liang Zhen raised an eyebrow, seeing that she could hardly breathe. A secret? He released his grip, curious to see if this secret was enough to save Lian Sihan’s life.

...

Easy Qiancheng had been on the battlefield for nearly half a month. The lord’s mansion in Shaji had not received any news from him since his departure. Lian Sheng spent her days in the mansion, feeling a little uneasy.

During the day, she would visit Yi Huan to check on her health. Yi Huan still maintained her calm and elegant demeanor but would occasionally daydream. Lian Sheng would call her a few times before she snapped out of it.

Lian Sheng understood Yi Huan’s feelings. Sometimes, she herself would daydream, and when the old maid called her several times, she would return to reality. Whenever asked what she was thinking, Lian Sheng would remain silent.

As the weather grew colder, everyone began preparing for winter clothes. One time, when Lian Sheng visited Yi Huan, she saw her making a cloak and curiously moved closer to watch.

Lian Sheng’s reading and writing were taught by Lian Qi, and though Lian Qi was meticulous, there were still things he couldn’t teach her, like embroidery. The maid was too old to teach her the craft, and the other maids’ stitching was rough. Later, as Lian Sheng grew older and her personality became more restless, Lian Qi gave up on the idea of teaching her embroidery.

Yi Huan, seeing the curiosity and innocence in Lian Sheng’s eyes, smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, would you like to learn? If you don’t mind, I can teach you.”

Lian Sheng bit her lip, seemingly making a big decision.

“Then... I’ll trouble you, Yi Huan. Please don’t laugh at me for being clumsy.”

Yi Huan explained the materials needed, and Lian Sheng carefully took notes. She said goodbye to Yi Huan and returned to gather the required items. The old maid, hearing Lian Sheng describe the materials, couldn’t help but laugh, realizing what her mistress was planning.

“Ah, I understand. Don’t worry, my lady, I’ll prepare everything for you quickly. Your husband will be pleased when he finds out.”

Lian Sheng lowered her gaze, feeling a little embarrassed. She then smiled lightly. Those private, unspoken feelings were slowly starting to grow, and even without expressing them, they were evident in her eyes.

The many days of unease and worry seemed to find a release, and Lian Sheng felt at peace. This was her first time making a cloak, and she was very focused.

Her brother was a military general, and Yi Huan had made a cloak for him before. Seeing her sister-in-law earnestly learning, Yi Huan felt warm inside.

When marching, wearing a cloak was very practical, as the thick and cold armor could only be worn over with a cloak or large robe.

In matters of state, Yi Huan wasn’t as knowledgeable as Lian Sheng, but when it came to handicrafts, Yi Huan’s skills were far superior to Lian Sheng’s. This closeness in their relationship grew over time.

With her mind preoccupied, Lian Sheng worked quickly day and night. After checking the half-finished cloak, it was almost complete except for the ties.

The old maid smiled when she saw Lian Sheng’s serious expression. “Miss, rest for a bit. Don’t strain your eyes. It’s your first time, and it looks very good already.”

Lian Sheng looked at the uneven stitching, feeling it didn’t look quite right. Even though Yi Huan had praised her for her cleverness, she still thought the cloak wasn’t delicate enough and was anxious to send it out.

He... He would definitely laugh to death.

That bad boy, Yi Qiancheng, after receiving it, would probably say she’s stupid. He’s the best at picking on things. Even the pastries she thought she could show off didn’t end well.

Lian Sheng hesitated for a long time, and finally sighed. She decided not to care anymore. If he dislikes it, then so be it. She calculated the days. Yi Qiancheng should have settled in Fengmu by now. Before he left, he had said that Song Yuan could send him letters.

Lian Sheng asked Yi Huan if she had anything to say, and Yi Huan paused before smiling, saying, “Just wish my brother good health.”

Her brother, Yi Qiancheng, had been on the battlefield since he was fifteen, fighting countless battles, both big and small. Now, worrying seemed to have become a habit, and overthinking was unnecessary.

Yi Huan’s words were so brief, and Lian Sheng, holding the pen, felt embarrassed to write much. After much deliberation, she wrote: “How is your health?”